Article
Oncology
Angelina T. Regua, Austin Arrigo, Daniel Doheny, Grace L. Wong, Hui-Wen Lo
Summary: Transgenic breast cancer mouse models are essential for preclinical studies, allowing for modeling of abnormal genetic events commonly seen in human breast cancers. By employing tissue-specific genetic manipulation, these models can mimic spontaneous mammary tumorigenesis by expressing oncogenes or deleting tumor suppressors. The variability in characteristics and strain-dependent features of these models can be utilized to study different aspects of mammary tumorigenesis and metastasis.
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Yu Gu, Tung Bui, William J. Muller
Summary: Breast cancer recurrence and metastasis remain major challenges for disease treatment. Understanding the biology of dormant tumors and cancer cells is crucial for overcoming clinical obstacles. Mouse models, particularly immunocompetent transgenic models, offer versatility and potential for studying the mechanisms of dormancy and developing therapeutic strategies.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Chuangen Li, Harry Cheuk-Hay Lau, Xiang Zhang, Jun Yu
Summary: This review explores the overall features and mechanisms of carcinogen-induced and transgenic mouse models for colon tumorigenesis, as well as their limitations and applications in evaluating and studying drugs and treatment regimens against CRC. These mouse models provide a better understanding of the mechanisms of colon tumorigenesis and facilitate the discovery of novel therapeutic strategies against CRC.
Review
Oncology
Chong Liu, Pei Wu, Ailin Zhang, Xiaoyun Mao
Summary: Breast cancer is a highly complex disease, and advancements in treatment and prevention depend on understanding the mechanisms of carcinogenesis and progression. Rodent models have become crucial tools for investigating breast cancer progression and metastasis, but the selection of suitable models is key due to their various advantages and disadvantages. Designing a rodent model for specific research purposes involves integrating the pros and cons of different models.
FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sherif Attalla, Tarek Taifour, Tung Bui, William Muller
Summary: Understanding breast cancer progression, metastasis, and therapeutic discovery is crucial. The MMTV-PyMT mouse model is a valuable tool that helps researchers better understand the molecular basis of breast cancer.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jennifer B. Jacob, Kuang-Chung Wei, Gerold Bepler, Joyce D. Reyes, Andi Cani, Lisa Polin, Kathryn White, Seongho Kim, Nerissa Viola, Julie McGrath, Anthony Guastella, CongCong Yin, Qing-Shen Mi, Benjamin L. Kidder, Kay-Uwe Wagner, Stuart Ratner, Victoria Phillips, Joanne Xiu, Prahlad Parajuli, Wei-Zen Wei
Summary: HER2-targeted therapy has improved breast cancer survival, but treatment resistance and disease prevention remain major challenges. A bioinformatics discovery platform of HER2/Neu-expressing Diversity Outbred (DO) F1 Mice was established to identify cancer-enabling genes. The study identified genes associated with aggressive tumors and human breast cancer survival, as well as the potential immune axis for disease regulation or intervention.
Article
Oncology
Isabel Quiros-Gonzalez, Michal R. Tomaszewski, Monika A. Golinska, Emma Brown, Laura Ansel-Bollepalli, Lina Hacker, Dominique-Laurent Couturier, Rosa M. Sainz, Sarah E. Bohndiek
Summary: The study suggests that photoacoustic tomography may provide an early indication of response or resistance to antiangiogenic therapy, clearly distinguishing between control, responding, and resistant tumors within just a few weeks of treatment.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alba Marin-Moreno, Sara Canoyra, Natalia Fernandez-Borges, Juan Carlos Espinosa, Juan Maria Torres
Summary: Neurodegenerative diseases are a major health challenge that modern medicine and advanced societies are facing. Despite years of research, the exact mechanisms leading to neuronal death and effective treatments have not been fully understood. The use of animal models, particularly transgenic mouse models, has provided valuable insights into the pathology of neurodegenerative diseases and the search for potential therapies.
FRONTIERS IN BIOSCIENCE-LANDMARK
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Sasha E. Stanton, Ekram Gad, Erik Ramos, Lauren Corulli, James Annis, Jennifer Childs, Hiroyuki Katayama, Samir Hanash, Jeffrey Marks, Mary L. Disis
Summary: B cell responses to tumor antigens occur early in breast tumors and may identify immunogenic drivers of tumorigenesis. The tumor antigens identified early in the development of breast cancer in mouse mammary tumor models were conserved in human disease, and potentially serve as early diagnostic markers.
Review
Immunology
Yanqin Du, Ruth Broering, Xiaoran Li, Xiaoyong Zhang, Jia Liu, Dongliang Yang, Mengji Lu
Summary: This review provides a comprehensive overview of the characteristics and limitations of various mouse models used in HBV research, aiming to guide future studies in this field.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Manasi Das, Lesley G. Ellies, Deepak Kumar, Consuelo Sauceda, Alexis Oberg, Emilie Gross, Tyler Mandt, Isabel G. Newton, Mehak Kaur, Dorothy D. Sears, Nicholas J. G. Webster
Summary: Obesity and its associated metabolic changes, including hyperinsulinemia and aberrant circadian rhythms, increases the risk for a variety of cancers including postmenopausal breast cancer. Here, the authors show that restricting when mice eat, but not what or how much they eat, delays breast cancer initiation and reduces tumor growth in obese mice in addition to improving insulin sensitivity and restoring circadian rhythms.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Review
Immunology
Stefanie N. N. Meyer, Sanjay Koul, Laura Pasqualucci
Summary: The DNA sequencing revolution has altered our understanding of B-cell lymphomas, with genetically engineered mouse models playing a key role in research. Accurate modeling of genetic alterations found in human GC B cell malignancies can help guide the design of novel therapeutic approaches for this disease.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Anna-Katharina Mueller, Ulrike A. Koehler, Sebastien Trzebanski, Yaron Vinik, Harsha Mohan Raj, Jean-Antoine Girault, Nir Ben-Chetrit, Antonio Maraver, Steffen Jung, Sima Lev
Summary: This study finds that macrophage infiltration in mammary tumors is associated with tumor progression, metastasis, and poor clinical outcome. Ablation of the TYRO3 kinase PYK2 can reduce the number of infiltrating macrophages, inhibit tumor angiogenesis and growth, and modulate monocyte recruitment, macrophage polarization, and tumor angiogenesis. Targeting PYK2 may be an effective strategy to modulate the tumor microenvironment and sensitize breast cancer to immunotherapy.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Simona Dedoni, Valeria Avdoshina, Chiara Camoglio, Carlotta Siddi, Walter Fratta, Maria Scherma, Paola Fadda
Summary: COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, is a global pandemic with potentially serious consequences. Neurological complications, including mental status change and smell and taste disorders, have been reported in infected patients. The presence of SARS-CoV-2 in brain tissue suggests neuroinvasion and possible damage. The virus may enter the brain through the olfactory mucosa. In addition, the infection triggers an inflammatory response even without direct infection of brain cells. ACE2, the entry receptor for SARS-CoV-2, is present in various brain regions. Mouse models with human ACE2 have been used to study the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on the central nervous system.
Article
Oncology
Donatella Malanga, Carmelo Laudanna, Teresa Mirante, Fabiana Colelli, Simona Migliozzi, Pietro Zoppoli, Gianluca Santamaria, Luca Roberto, Carmela De Marco, Marzia Scarfo, Donatella Montanaro, Orlando Paciello, Serenella Papparella, Chiara Mignogna, Alfonso Baldi, Giuseppe Viglietto
Summary: The gain-of-function mutation AKT1E17K is demonstrated to be a bona fide oncogene for mammary epithelium, capable of efficiently initiating breast cancer in mice. The AKT1E17K strain may serve as an appropriate model for human basal-like breast cancer and may aid in the identification of novel therapies specific to this type of tumor.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Chiara Dalle Fratte, Sara Gagno, Rossana Roncato, Jerry Polesel, Martina Zanchetta, Mauro Buzzo, Bianca Posocco, Elena De Mattia, Rachele Borsatti, Fabio Puglisi, Luisa Foltran, Michela Guardascione, Angela Buonadonna, Erika Cecchin, Giuseppe Toffoli
Summary: This study investigated the association between gene activity score and imatinib exposure in GIST patients. The results showed that CYP2D6 plays a major role in imatinib pharmacokinetics, but other factors such as CYP2C8 may also influence the drug's exposure. These findings could help identify patients who are more susceptible to imatinib under- or overexposure for personalized treatment and monitoring strategies.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Cell Biology
Pierluigi Scalia, Stephen J. Williams, Yoko Fujita-Yamaguchi, Antonio Giordano
Summary: The IGFs are important growth factors that play a key role in cell growth and cell cycle progression through their cellular receptors. Understanding the intracellular signaling mechanisms of IGFs is crucial for cancer research. This study provides a comprehensive summary of the current understanding of the regulatory mechanisms of IGFs in cancer and suggests new perspectives for further research.
Article
Anatomy & Morphology
Ilenia Severi, Silvia Abbatelli, Jessica Perugini, Eleonora Di Mercurio, Martina Senzacqua, Antonio Giordano
Summary: This study is the first comprehensive morphological investigation into the distribution and physiological role of BChE in the mouse gastrointestinal tract. BChE-positive cells were found in various digestive organs, such as the stomach, liver, and intestine, and were closely linked to ghrelin production.
JOURNAL OF ANATOMY
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Giovanni Ciccarelli, Stefano Conte, Giovanni Cimmino, Patrizia Maiorano, Andrea Morrione, Antonio Giordano
Summary: Atherosclerosis is a complex disease involving metabolic processes and inflammation. Despite improved therapies, a significant residual risk remains due to unmet therapeutic targets. Endothelial dysfunction and lipid infiltration are primary causes of atherosclerotic plaque progression. Mitochondrial dysfunction can affect arterial wall cells, leading to oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, and intracellular lipid deposition. Evaluating mitochondrial defects through the detection and characterization of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is crucial, and mitochondria-targeting therapies show promise in treating atherosclerosis.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sedigheh Cheraghali, Ghasem Dini, Isabella Caligiuri, Michele Back, Flavio Rizzolio
Summary: In this study, hierarchical MnZn ferrite nanoparticles were synthesized and their surface characteristics were improved by PEGylation. In vitro MRI studies confirmed the ability of the synthesized nanoparticles as a contrast agent. Results were compared with normal structured MnZn ferrite nanoparticles.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Chiara Dalle Fratte, Jerry Polesel, Sara Gagno, Bianca Posocco, Elena De Mattia, Rossana Roncato, Marco Orleni, Fabio Puglisi, Michela Guardascione, Angela Buonadonna, Giuseppe Toffoli, Erika Cecchin
Summary: This study investigated the association between genetic polymorphisms in ABCB1 and ABCG2 and imatinib plasma trough concentration in GIST and CML patients. The results showed a borderline association between the ABCG2 c.421C>A genotype and imatinib plasma trough levels, which was further confirmed in a meta-analysis. However, no significant association was found between ABCB1 polymorphisms and imatinib C-trough.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Martina Zanchetta, Bianca Posocco, Sara Gagno, Ariana Soledad Poetto, Marco Orleni, Giovanni Canil, Michela Guardascione, Fabio Puglisi, Giuseppe Toffoli
Summary: A new LC-MS/MS method was developed for quantifying LENVA in venous DBS samples, characterized by a short run time, volumetric sampling, and extraction of the entire spot to avoid Hct and spot volume effects. The method was validated on two different filter papers according to EMA, FDA, EBF, and IATDMCT guidelines, and showed satisfactory recovery, absence of matrix effect, process efficiency, Hct effect, linearity, precision, accuracy, selectivity, sensitivity, reproducibility, and stability. The method was successfully used to quantify LENVA in DBS samples from hepatocellular carcinoma patients and showed a good correlation with the standard procedure.
JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL AND BIOMEDICAL ANALYSIS
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
A. Bignucolo, E. De Mattia, R. Roncato, E. Peruzzi, L. Scarabel, M. D'Andrea, F. Sartor, G. Toffoli, E. Cecchin
Summary: The importance of implementing DPYD pharmacogenetics in clinical practice has been raised and successfully applied in Italy. The development of guidelines, genotyping technology, and research consortia has enhanced the clinical use of DPYD testing. National health policies and recommendations from regulatory agencies have further promoted the application of DPYD testing in drug prescriptions.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Oncology
Elena De Mattia, Jerry Polesel, Silvia Mezzalira, Elisa Palazzari, Sara Pollesel, Giuseppe Toffoli, Erika Cecchin
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the clinical value of RAS, TP53, BRAF, PIK3CA, and SMAD4 mutations and microsatellite instability (MSI) status as markers for pathological complete response (pCR) in locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) patients who received preoperative radiation-based therapy. The study found that KRAS mutations were significantly associated with the risk of not achieving pCR after preoperative treatment, especially in patients who did not receive cetuximab. No other markers were associated with pCR. Implementing KRAS mutation testing in clinical practice could improve the management of LARC patients.
Review
Oncology
Elisa Ventura, Giacomo Ducci, Reyes Benot Dominguez, Valentina Ruggiero, Antonino Belfiore, Elena Sacco, Marco Vanoni, Renato V. V. Iozzo, Antonio Giordano, Andrea Morrione
Summary: Progranulin plays an important pro-tumorigenic role in various solid tumors and has diagnostic and prognostic values in multiple tumor types. The molecular mechanisms underlying progranulin's function in cancer are not fully understood, but recent evidence suggests a strong context-dependency of progranulin signaling. This review focuses on summarizing the current evidence supporting the pro-oncogenic role of progranulin and its molecular mechanisms of action in cancer.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Giovanni Canil, Marco Orleni, Bianca Posocco, Sara Gagno, Alessia Bignucolo, Marcella Montico, Rossana Roncato, Serena Corsetti, Michele Bartoletti, Giuseppe Toffoli
Summary: Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors (PARPis) are increasingly important in oncology, and their therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) could benefit patients. This study developed and validated a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method for quantifying olaparib, rucaparib, and niraparib in both human plasma and dried blood spot (DBS). The correlation between drug concentrations measured in these two matrices was assessed. Results showed a strong correlation between plasma and DBS for olaparib and niraparib, though further data is needed to establish a robust regression analysis for rucaparib. The study provides a solid foundation for the feasibility of using both plasma and DBS matrices for PARPis TDM.
Review
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Giovanna Liguori, Anna Costagliola, Renato Lombardi, Orlando Paciello, Antonio Giordano
Summary: Animal-assisted interventions (AAIs) are planned activities carried out in multidisciplinary teams with educational, therapeutic, and recreational purposes. These interventions offer many advantages to subjects but may expose them to zoonotic-pathogen transmission. Therefore, ensuring positive animal welfare and implementing preventive measures are crucial for the safety of patients.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alfredo Caturano, Margherita D'Angelo, Andrea Mormone, Vincenzo Russo, Maria Pina Mollica, Teresa Salvatore, Raffaele Galiero, Luca Rinaldi, Erica Vetrano, Raffaele Marfella, Marcellino Monda, Antonio Giordano, Ferdinando Carlo Sasso
Summary: Oxidative stress plays a critical role in the development and progression of diabetes and its associated complications. The imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and the body's antioxidant defense mechanisms leads to cellular damage and dysfunction. By understanding and addressing oxidative stress, it may be possible to alleviate the burden of diabetes and improve patient outcomes.
CURRENT ISSUES IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
JesseJ Swen, Cathelijne H. van der Wouden, Lisanne E. N. Manson, Heshu Abdullah-Koolmees, Kathrin Blagec, Tanja Blagus, Stefan Boehringer, Anne Cambon-Thomsen, Erika Cecchin, Ka-Chun Cheung, Vera H. M. Deneer, Mathilde Dupui, Magnus Ingelman-Sundberg, Siv Jonsson, Candace Joefield-Roka, Katja S. Just, Mats O. Karlsson, Lidija Konta, Rudolf Koopmann, Marjolein Kriek, Thorsten Lehr, Christina Mitropoulou, Emmanuelle Rial-Sebbag, Victoria Rollinson, Rossana Roncato, Matthias Samwald, Elke Schaeffeler, Maria Skokou, Matthias Schwab, Daniela Steinberger, Julia C. Stingl, Roman Tremmel, Richard M. Turner, Mandy H. van Rhenen, Cristina L. Davila Fajardo, Vita Dolzan, George P. Patrinos, Munir Pirmohamed, Gere Sunder-Plassmann, Giuseppe Toffoli, Henk-Jan Guchelaar
Summary: This study assessed the clinical utility of pharmacogenetic testing in patients receiving their first prescription drugs. The results showed that using a pharmacogenetic panel significantly reduced the incidence of clinically relevant adverse drug reactions, and this strategy was feasible across diverse European healthcare system organizations and settings.
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Kanwal Asif, Muhammad Adeel, Md. Mahbubur Rahman, Isabella Caligiuri, Tiziana Perin, Maja Cemazar, Vincenzo Canzonieri, Flavio Rizzolio
Summary: ChemoDynamic Therapy (CDT) utilizes Fenton/Fenton-like reactions to generate oxidative stress for cancer treatment. However, the limited catalyst ions and ROS scavenging activity of GPX4 restrict its application. Therefore, an efficient strategy to regulate the Fenton reaction (using dual metal cations) and inhibit GPX4 activity is highly desired.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY B
(2023)
